My Top Ten Songs of 2013

Since music is pretty much my favoritest thing ever, I decided to make an annual list of my favorite songs of the year. This list does not mean that the songs came out that year, just that they were my favorite during that time. I will also try to give some brief explanation of why each song was important to me. As you can see, Imagine Dragons is a definite favorite of mine. I also discovered a band that has been around for a while, but I never really heard of - Muse. It's probably my next favorite band, even though their song got number 1. Okay, here goes:

 10. Counting Stars - One Republic 

This song basically just has some lyrics that I really like, and a really catchy tune. 

 9. Some Nights - Fun. 

This song starts with amazing harmonies, and that's what hooked me. I really like the voices of this group. 

 8. Demons - Imagine Dragons 

This song is on all the time, everywhere I go. And most people I talk to absolutely love it. I think the reason (at least for me), is because it reminds me that I have my own "demons" and makes me think of how I am going to conquer them. I also really like the music video. 

 7. Feel This Moment - Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera 

This song is one of my most favorite to run to. It helped me through learning to run a 5k, and adding on even more miles. It definitely keeps me motivated. And I don't know why, but I have a special place in my heart for that old "Take On Me" melody. 

 6. Love Don't Die - The Fray 

I just love the music in this song. And the lyrics are really good too. 

 5. On Top Of The World - Imagine Dragons 

This song makes me happy! When I listen to it, I think of all the fun times my family and I had over the year, and remember how blessed we are. 

 4. It's Time - Imagine Dragons 

This was one of the first songs I put on my Running playlist. Whenever I did a race, it would be the first song to come on. "It's time to begin..." would get me motivated for my run. Now it is a tradition, I guess you could say. Every time I race, it is - and will be, the first song I hear. 

 3. Roar - Katy Perry 

Okay, I have to preface this by saying that I do like Katy Perry, and this song is really catchy. However, the lyrics are completely plagiarized. I can name about 7 different songs that use each phrase. However, it is fun and my kids love it. And as corny as this may sound, the biggest reason I love it is because it reminds me of my best friend. End corniness. 

 2. Radioactive - Imagine Dragons 

This song is incredible. I don't even know why. Their voices, the music, etc. I just love it. It's amazing. The music video? Worst ever. 

 1. Madness - Muse 

There are so many reasons I love this song. The style of the music and feel of the song is awesome. When I listen to it, I HAVE to put my earphones in, turn it up loud, and close my eyes so I can hear everything. I don't know why this song speaks to me, but it does. Maybe it reminds me of all the "madness" that I went through over the year. The "mist of darkness" that I walked through, but have stayed strong. It's beautiful.

What I Want To Be When I Grow Up

Let me begin by saying that I feel so blessed to actually be doing what my #1 dream has always been: being a mom!  That was at the top of my list for as long as I can remember, and I truly love every minute of it. (Or at least most minutes of it.)

But I also dreamed of doing other things.  Some of which included being a famous author, starring on Broadway, teaching 2nd grade, and being a motivational speaker. 

But I grew up.  That's a lie.  I got older.  I have checked that #1 off my list--4 times.  Or rather, I am in the midst of checking it off.  But I am a dreamer, and sometimes I still get lost in what else I want to become.

My list has changed a little since I was younger.  I still want to be a writer, but not in the way I thought.  I have written over 20 starts to fiction novels, but the thought of finishing them sounds like a nightmare.  I'll have to keep my writing short.  I want to write things that inspire people.  I want to write things that make people happy; that helps them forget their life worries.

I also dream of sitting on a dark stage with a warm spotlight on me and my grand piano as I play all of my favorite classics.  For me, playing piano creates so much emotion.  And I thrive on emotion!  Oh- I could play piano all day long!

I never thought a dream of mine would be wanting to run a race in every US state.  I'm still not sure wear this dream stems from.  Running has only been a part of my life for less than a year.  And I have never been a big traveler.  But I have deeply fallen in love with running, especially when I get to enjoy Mother Nature.  It helps bring my emotions (there's that word again) to the surface and analyze myself at that stage in life.

Sometimes these dreams seem too far-fetched.  Sometimes they seem just barely out of my reach.  Maybe, like my child-hood dreams, these ones will change one day too.  If so, should I try harder to accomplish them?  Or should I be content with throwing them out into the universe not knowing where they might end up?  I guess only time will tell.  The important thing is that I find happiness through it all.